Democrat assemblyman said he won't challenge Sen. William Larkin in 2016: source

Here is the fourth item from my "Albany Insider" column that was cut for space from the print editions:

James Skoufis, a third-year Orange County state assemblyman that Senate Democrats hope will challenge a longtime GOP senator seen as potentially vulnerable, has told his would-be opponent he will not run against him in 2016, according to a source briefed on the conversation.

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The source said Skoufis personally delivered the news to Sen. William Larkin (R-Orange County) during a recent meeting between the two. Larkin has said he intends to run for a 14th term next year.

Contacted by the Daily News, Skoufis said he and Larkin "speak all the time."

"We work quite well together, but in terms of next year, I haven't made any political decisions yet," he said. "It's too soon."

Senate Dems have targeted the Larkin seat as they attempt to win control of the chamber in the 2016 elections. Skoufis confirmed the Senate Dems have been courting him to run for the seat next year.

At 28, Skoufis is the youngest member of the Legislature.

He seemed to hint that if Larkin, who is serving his 13th two-year term in the Senate, ultimately decides not to run, it would be an easier decision whether to make a bid for the Senate.

"An open seat is very different than running against an incumbent," he said.

And given his young age, some say Skoufis could be willing to wait another two years to take his shot at the Senate out of deference to Larkin, a retired Army lieutenant colonel.

Republicans say the fact Skoufis, according to the source, told Larkin directly he would not challenge him is a blow to the Dems, coming weeks after the GOP won a commanding victory in a special Senate election in the Binghamton area.

One source with ties to the Senate Dems say they feel confident they can claim the Larkin seat whether Skoufis runs or not. The source said he seen data showing that Larkin is weak against "multiple opponents." He did not provide the numbers.

Also, the Dem said, Larkin defeated a Democrat with little institutional backing by only a narrow 52.5% to 47.5% margin in 2012, which was the last presidential year that often benefits Democrats when it comes to turnout.

"Bill Larkin is a flawed candidate in a Democratic district," said Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy.